BSBL 2022: Tornadoes Black slip to 0-3 in women’s competition after final quarter fade-out

It might be very early in the 2022-23 Bunbury Senior Basketball League, but women’s powerhouse Tornadoes Black look uncharacteristically out of sorts. Black is a team stacked wall-to-wall with SBL/NBL1 West experience but were held to a miserly seven points in the final quarter of their derby loss against Tornadoes Red — the biggest talking point from a busy night of action. Women: Tornadoes Red d Tornadoes Black 69-48 Entering the derby with a two-game losing streak, Tornadoes Black received an added bonus pre-game when proven offensive playmaker Zaya Black suited up. Tornadoes Red looked solid during their early offensive possessions. Although not all of their offensive looks translated into points, their hustle under the glass resulted in additional opportunities. Ebony Bilcich again took the lead for Tornadoes Black, peeling off a series of efforts from downtown. Despite quieter evenings from Javene Fitch, Kelly Bastow and Skye Palmer, Tornadoes Black turned for home in the final quarter within striking distance of recording their first win of the season. But Tornadoes Red had other ideas, with their slick ball movement into the paint eventually cutting the Tornadoes Black defence to ribbons. As the margin began to inflate for Red, Sierraleone Simpson (23 points) drained a few late three-pointers to firmly place an exclamation point on their victory. Aside from being outscored 23-7 in the final quarter, concerningly Tornadoes Black scored only three points in the final five-and-a-half minutes. Men: Bulls Maroon d Bulls 129-91 Such is the level of talent within the Bulls Basketball Club, coach Carl Catalano was able to bring in NBL1 West threat Travis Durnin (Rockingham Flames) to cover the absence of Clive Weeden. No doubt still buzzing from his decision to remain at the championship-winning Flames, Durnin dropped a game-high 37 points, including five shots landing from downtown. Not to be outshone, Cody Hill, Trent Worthington and Brayden Jones also finished with more than 20 points. Women: Aces Sky d Aces Navy 61-57 Reigning women’s champions Aces Sky rang the changes prior to their derby clash against Aces Navy, with Mandurah Magic senior Carly Boag the most significant player out of action. However, the inclusion of South West Slammers point guard Leah York more than made up for those who didn’t suit up. Aces Navy, a team filled with teenage talent, burst out to a 6-0 lead early in the first term and held the lead for lengthy stages of this high-quality contest. The reigning champs ultimately found a way to win courtesy of Slammers all-rounder Tiahna Sears (26 points), who effectively carried most of her side’s offensive responsibilities. Although they tasted defeat, Aces Navy players will likely take heart from the performance, given they have played well in both matches so far this season against experienced opposition. Men: Conquerors d Eaton Eagles 127-53 It was another forgettable night for the Eaton Eagles youngsters, who appear to be in for another bleak season in the BSBL men’s competition. With no experienced recruits brought in to help guide them, the Eagles were again torched by more than 50 points. Although they marched out to a 26-4 lead prior to quartertime, Conquerors players did not humiliate or deliberately run up the score against the inexperienced Eagles. After spending most of the first half setting up his Conquerors teammates, American import Wes Morgan got in on the offensive action late in the game and finished with 39 points — 30 of which came from beyond the arc. Men: Bulls Gold d Tornadoes Red 77-73 Bulls Gold fought back late to record a slender four-point win over Tornadoes Red. The overall fitness of the Gold players was noticeable in the final four minutes — particularly from Tyson Lane and Pharell Keats. With both players hurling themselves in the line of fire, Gold were able to make some key plays down the stretch and remain unbeaten. Men: Tornadoes Black d Aces Sky 99-95 After racing out to a 9-0 lead early against Aces Sky, Shane Goff’s Tornadoes Black were forced to dig deep and hold on for a narrow win. With livewire Xavier Cotton not suiting up for Tornadoes Black, the offence had to adjust, given Cotton’s ability to make several plays due to his exceptional outside shooting. Results Men: Conquerors 127 (Wes Morgan 39 points, C. Thompson 26) d Eaton Eagles 53 (J. Macleod-Paterson 14, J. Bailye 9), Tornadoes Black 99 (T. McNaughton 24, C. Raper 19) d Aces Sky 95 (N. Walsh 19, C. Metcalfe 18), Bulls Maroon 129 (T. Durnin 37, T. Worthington 26) d Bulls 91 (W. Johns 25, A. Joynes 20), Bulls Gold 77 (P. Keats 20, T. Lane 18) d Tornadoes Red 73 (not supplied) Women: Tornadoes Red 69 (S. Simpson 23, J. Barrett 16) d Tornadoes Black 48 (E. Bilcich 16, B. Chalk 11), Aces Sky 61 (T. Sears 26, C. Edwards 9) d Aces Navy 57 (A. Ward 13, G. Adams 13)